Germany signals shift in defense policy by stationing troops in Lithuania

Germany is deploying 5,000 troops to Lithuania, marking the first such permanent deployment to another country since the end of World War II. Also, immigration lawyers are sounding alarms over what they say is an escalating immigration crackdown along the northern US border in Maine. And, Iran and Russia ratify a new agreement to strengthen economic ties, with more cooperation in banking and arms trade. Plus, an 11-year-old boy in the UK teaches himself to master the piano in only six months.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Turkish officials say they've caught Chinese intelligence using fake cell phone towers to eavesdrop on Uyghurs and the Turkish government. Also, Spain uses a new eviction law to crack down on squatters as housing prices continue to rise. And, European officials have launched a "tidal wave" of condemnation against Israel for its war in Gaza. Plus, a woman is raffling off her two bedroom house located just outside the coastal city of Sligo in Northern Ireland. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Police in El Salvador have arrested Ruth López, a prominent human rights defender who headed the anti-corruption unit at the rights group Cristosal. Also, Ontario approves billions of dollars for  four small modular nuclear reactors, making Canada the first G7 country to implement them for civilian use. And, the World Health Organization approves an agreement to prevent, prepare for and respond to future pandemics. Plus, sonideros are gaining widespread popularity and becoming a symbol of cultural pride in Mexico City.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Displaced Syrians are returning to their homes following years of civil war. One photographer, Alaa Hassan, who was 25 years old when the uprisings against former President Bashar al-Assad began, hopes to now document the loss and rebirth of his country. Also, US President Donald Trump holds separate phone calls with the leaders of Ukraine and Russia as fighting continues. And, hunger and starvation are on the rise in Gaza as Israel's government approves a plan to distribute limited aid and lift its blockade of the territory, while the Israeli military conducts a new offensive with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying the goal is to control the Gaza Strip. Plus, a look at the "like" button that was introduced to internet users 20 years ago. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The United Arab Emirates is set to become home to the largest artificial intelligence campus outside of the US. The deal was struck in a meeting Thursday between the US and the UAE. The 10-square-mile campus will be built in Abu Dhabi, requiring 5 gigawatts of power capacity. We look into the energy implications of the plan. Also, in Australia, a murder trial where the defendant is accused of serving poisonous mushrooms to dinner guests becomes a nationwide spectacle. And, the story of a Spanish dictator using Eurovision Song Contest to whitewash his regime's brutal image.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Russian and Ukrainian officials are meeting on Thursday in Istanbul to discuss a potential end to the war for the first time in more than three years. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy showed up for the meeting in-person; Russian President Vladimir Putin did not. We have the latest updates and analysis from those talks. Also, the mental health crisis caused by climate change, and the emerging ways people are addressing it. And, new insights into the love life of William Shakespeare.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

President Trump's announcement that US sanctions on Syria would be lifted was met with elation by Syrians, but the country still has a long way to go to recover from years of civil war and brutal dictatorship. Also, the German government banned an extremist group known as the Kingdom of Germany, which believes Germany is a monarchy. And, a look back at the life of José Mujica, Uruguay's former president who lived staunchly below his means. Plus, the Swiss Moroccan musician who found his home in the underground art scene. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

As President Donald Trump heads to the Middle East, a look at how the countries he plans to visit are trying to position themselves. Also, the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, has announced it will disarm and disband. That marks the potential end of the group's four decadelong insurgency against the Turkish military. And, the former president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, has won a mayoral election despite his detention by the International Criminal Court.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Hamas has released the last living American hostage that was held captive in Gaza. That comes days before President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit the region. Hamas has not said what it expects to receive in return for the release. Also, Pope Leo XIV's roots in Chiclayu, Peru. And, a close look at Barcelona's "superblocks": pedestrian areas designed to keep cars out.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Pope Leo XIV gave his first mass as pontiff today and is being celebrated across the globe, including in Peru, where he carried out decades of missionary work and became a naturalized citizen. Also, the US cuts $50 million in medical aid to Zambia following a corruption investigation. And, Sudan cuts ties with the UAE as drone attacks on Port Sudan continue for a sixth day. Plus, the National Gallery in London is unveiling an early renaissance painting this weekend that’s considered to be a European masterpiece.Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices